Kempe Contract Watch Thread

[NewCastle]

It’s just a crazy story about Kaprizov turning down the richest contract in league history. Reportedly Guerin has now asked his agent for his trade list.

It’s felt pretty sad to be a Kings fan every spring for the last decade. But this is a sad day to be a Wild fan. If he does land in NYR, I see a pretty top-heavy team with contracts that still doesn’t beat FL.

One team I've always been pulling for and never had any hate against is Minnesota. If all this is true, I truly feel for them. They're the one team in the league that I have hope and belief that their fans and the state's hockey culture deserves to have a team that can win the Cup.

 

[Clif]

One team I've always been pulling for and never had any hate against is Minnesota. If all this is true, I truly feel for them. They're the one team in the league that I have hope and belief that their fans and the state's hockey culture deserves to have a team that can win the Cup.

There is absolutely no reason to dislike MN and their fans.

I’m partial to NSH, too. I was just there first weekend of Sept. to see NIN at Bridgestone. It was cool seeing Preds murals on buildings and jerseys and banners in a good number of places downtown. People were wearing their Preds hats and shirts too. I love seeing cities embrace their hockey teams.

 

[JWR]

With Kopitar confirming his retirement at seasons end there will be 7mil freed up to put towards resigning Kempe.

 

[kingnut]

There is absolutely no reason to dislike MN and their fans.

I’m partial to NSH, too. I was just there first weekend of Sept. to see NIN at Bridgestone. It was cool seeing Preds murals on buildings and jerseys and banners in a good number of places downtown. People were wearing their Preds hats and shirts too. I love seeing cities embrace their hockey teams.

Yeah, that place is awesome. Will be going back there sometime soon

 

[VCRW]

With Kopitar confirming his retirement at seasons end there will be 7mil freed up to put towards resigning Kempe.

I think everything in the front office had been put on hold until Kopi made his decision. Now please don't try to play hardball with Juice. He is the right player to assume the mantle of leadership from Kopi.

 

[ICE24]

I need to see more from Kempe this season, if I am going to spend Anschutz
money on him.

 

[05/29/93]

There is absolutely no reason to dislike MN and their fans.

I’m partial to NSH, too. I was just there first weekend of Sept. to see NIN at Bridgestone. It was cool seeing Preds murals on buildings and jerseys and banners in a good number of places downtown. People were wearing their Preds hats and shirts too. I love seeing cities embrace their hockey teams.

I would add CBJ to this list also. They've had a lot of tragedy recently (Johnny Gaudreau, but also Kivlenieks who was killed by fireworks a few years ago), and seem to have a strong, devoted fanbase. They've just not been managed well over the years.

 

[VCRW]

Jim Hiller was also asked about Kempe’s contract status and had the following to say –

“He’s a terrific player, we all know that. I think we want him to be a King, you guys enjoy him, we do, he enjoys playing here. Business is business and we all hope they work it out sooner rather than later.”

Don’t like Hiller’s answer… don’t know why… just does seem overly positive or enthusiastic.

 

[Clif]

I would add CBJ to this list also. They've had a lot of tragedy recently (Johnny Gaudreau, but also Kivlenieks who was killed by fireworks a few years ago), and seem to have a strong, devoted fanbase. They've just not been managed well over the years.

Oh yeah, even though I don’t follow them closely I root for them every year. That fanbase has been through so much. And a lot of players haven’t wanted to stay there. The list goes on.

 

[Dexter]

He should be Crosby superstitious and want a contract that matches his number. (Please don't ask for a number change, Kempe)

 

[DryKing]

Jim Hiller was also asked about Kempe’s contract status and had the following to say –

“He’s a terrific player, we all know that. I think we want him to be a King, you guys enjoy him, we do, he enjoys playing here. Business is business and we all hope they work it out sooner rather than later.”

Don’t like Hiller’s answer… don’t know why… just does seem overly positive or enthusiastic.

I see you point. Hopefully it's just wording but this is a curious part of the statement. Normally we could at least expect "We want him to be a King".

The "I think" almost makes it sounds like there is some differing opinions within the Organization as to whether or not they want Kempe around long term, or Kempe himself isn't sold on wanting to be here long term. Again, hopefully it's just wording.

 

[VCRW]

I see you point. Hopefully it's just wording but this is a curious part of the statement. Normally we could at least expect "We want him to be a King".

The "I think" almost makes it sounds like there is some differing opinions within the Organization as to whether or not they want Kempe around long term, or Kempe himself isn't sold on wanting to be here long term. Again, hopefully it's just wording.

I thought the whole tone of Hiller’s quote seemed distant and somewhat ominous. Juice could get $10mil/7 years almost anywhere else. What are they thinking?

 

[Pickle_Pucks]

They are playing hardball with Kempe because McDavid to LA is pretty much a done deal next summer...obviously

 

[Dexter]

They are playing hardball with Kempe because McDavid to LA is pretty much a done deal next summer...obviously

You're goddamelf right.

 

[JJ289]

Hey, with Kopi retiring that frees up some cap space. Stranger things have happened. Could you imagine McDavid and Kempe on the same line?

 

[Pevsfreedom]

I've not read any of this thread so I feel informed but if we lose Kempe we are screwed.

 

[hokiecat]

The Dennis Bernstein update that there hasn't been any progress was depressing. Just give Kempe the 8x10 and be done with it. It's hard to pay that for a guy who's a point a game player at best, but there's nothing to gain by slow rolling the negotations. Salaries are only going to increase with the cap stepping up so time to get it done before the market increases (i.e. KK97 signs for 16M+) and we're paying $10.5+ or letting him leave.
Kempe is our top goal scorer, he's actually a strong playoff performer, can do the Fedorov and play defense if needed, and has been pretty much a model citizen. WTF is Holland trying to prove with a drawn out negotiations?

 

[Clif]

The Dennis Bernstein update that there hasn't been any progress was depressing. Just give Kempe the 8x10 and be done with it. It's hard to pay that for a guy who's a point a game player at best, but there's nothing to gain by slow rolling the negotations. Salaries are only going to increase with the cap stepping up so time to get it done before the market increases (i.e. KK97 signs for 16M+) and we're paying $10.5+ or letting him leave.
Kempe is our top goal scorer, he's actually a strong playoff performer, can do the Fedorov and play defense if needed, and has been pretty much a model citizen. WTF is Holland trying to prove with a drawn out negotiations?

I think there could be truth to the talk that agents are holding out and none of them really know what the appropriate market value is yet. No one wants to be the first domino. Kaprizov turning down 16M is insane if he actually is open to still playing in MN.

That said, hearing they’re “not close” with Kempe is crazy. If his agent is asking for 12M okay but Holland still needs to come to the table with 10M per year and not a dollar less. That should put them in actually productive talks.

 

[VCRW]

I think there could be truth to the talk that agents are holding out and none of them really know what the appropriate market value is yet. No one wants to be the first domino. Kaprizov turning down 16M is insane if he actually is open to still playing in MN.

That said, hearing they’re “not close” with Kempe is crazy. If his agent is asking for 12M okay but Holland still needs to come to the table with 10M per year and not a dollar less. That should put them in actually productive talks.

I have a terrible feeling about this negotiation… this may be the last season for #9 in L.A. Holland wants McDavid and a big contract for Juice may be an obstacle.

 

[santiclaws]

We have no idea what the ask or offer are. I don't put a whole lot of stock in what Pagnotta says. He's the only one who gave any kind of number.